Emirati Officials Announce Arrest of Three Suspects in Murder of Chabad Rabbi Zvi Kogan

Emirati Officials Announce Arrest of Three Suspects in Murder of Chabad Rabbi Zvi Kogan  

Edited by: Fern Sidman

In a deeply troubling incident that has sent shockwaves across the global Jewish community, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) announced on Sunday the arrest of three suspects in connection with the murder of Rabbi Zvi Kogan, who had been missing for several days. Fox News reported that the UAE Ministry of Interior confirmed the arrests and stated that legal procedures against the alleged perpetrators had commenced. The Ministry’s statement, shared via the social media platform X, highlighted its commitment to addressing acts that threaten societal security and coexistence with the full force of the law.

The grim discovery of Rabbi Kogan’s body earlier on Sunday was confirmed by Israeli officials. The Fox News report highlighted the joint statement from Israel’s Prime Minister’s Office and Ministry of Foreign Affairs, which revealed that UAE intelligence and security authorities located Kogan’s body after his family had reported him missing on Thursday. Israeli authorities emphasized their unwavering support for Kogan’s family during this difficult time, maintaining close communication throughout the tragic ordeal.

The Israeli government labeled the murder as an “abominable act of anti-Semitic terrorism.” According to the report on Fox News, officials pledged to bring the perpetrators to justice, utilizing all available means under the law. This shocking act against Rabbi Kogan, a dedicated emissary of the Chabad Lubavitch movement—a prominent branch of Hasidic Judaism based in Brooklyn—has raised concerns about anti-Semitism and terrorism in a region striving for interfaith coexistence.

Fox News also reported that Rabbi Kogan, aged 28, was a dual citizen of Israel and Moldova residing in Abu Dhabi. Described as deeply committed to his community, Kogan was known for his volunteerism and work as a recruiter. His management of the Rimon Market, a Kosher grocery store in Dubai, also positioned him as a key figure within the UAE’s Jewish community. However, the store’s closure on Sunday pointed to its history of being a target for anti-Israel protests, according to the Associated Press via Fox News.

The tragedy has been compounded by personal connections to past acts of violence. Fox News noted that Kogan’s wife, Rivky, a U.S. citizen, is the niece of Rabbi Gavriel Holtzberg, who was killed in the 2008 Mumbai terrorist attacks. This familial ties draw attention to the enduring vulnerabilities faced by individuals devoted to religious and cultural outreach in challenging environments.

The UAE’s Ministry of Interior confirmed its ongoing investigation into the circumstances surrounding Kogan’s disappearance and murder. While the Ministry identified Kogan as a Moldovan national in its initial statements, Fox News highlighted Israel’s assertion that the case bore hallmarks of terrorism, without elaborating further on the evidence. Israeli authorities began their investigation into Kogan’s unusual disappearance on Saturday, emphasizing their serious concerns over potential terrorist motives.

The UAE has recently taken significant strides to position itself as a hub for interfaith dialogue and coexistence. The Fox News report called attention to the Ministry’s strong condemnation of actions destabilizing societal harmony, pledging severe repercussions for those who threaten peace and security. This pledge, alongside the arrests, demonstrates the UAE’s resolve to address the incident decisively and maintain its image as a progressive and inclusive society.